Author Spotlight: Andrew McDowell - Weaving Worlds of Fantasy and Wonder

March 13, 2025

Introduction

Welcome back to "Author Spotlight"! Today, I'm delighted to feature Andrew McDowell, a writer whose work spans the realms of young adult epic fantasy, poetry, short stories, and essays. He is best known for his One with Nature series, which transports readers to a world of magic, adventure, and a deep connection to the natural world. Andrew's diverse creative output and his personal journey make him a truly inspiring figure in the literary landscape. He is inspired by a variety of interests.

From Childhood Dreams to Literary Reality: Andrew McDowell's Journey

Andrew McDowell's path to becoming an author began not with a sudden revelation, but with a slow burn that ignited in his childhood. Fueled by a love for stories and the boundless worlds of make-believe, the young Andrew discovered his passion for writing at the age of 11. By 13, the dream had solidified: he would be a writer. Diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at 14, Andrew brings a unique perspective to his writing, and to his life. He honed his skills and expanded his knowledge, earning degrees in History and English, followed by a Master's in Library & Information Science. This academic background clearly informs his richly detailed world-building and his thoughtful exploration of complex themes. He's not just a writer; he's an active member of the literary community, serving as secretary for the Annapolis chapter of the Maryland Writers' Association and having previously worked as an associate nonfiction editor at JMWW.

The One with Nature Series: A Journey into Mystical Greenwood

Andrew McDowell's primary focus as a novelist is the One with Nature series, a captivating young adult epic/high fantasy saga that transports readers to the richly imagined kingdom of Denú.

Mystical Greenwood (Book 1): This award-winning debut novel sets the stage for the entire series. It introduces us to Dermot, a fifteen-year-old boy who yearns for a life beyond his village. His world is forever changed when he encounters a gryphon and a reclusive healer, drawing him into a realm of magic, mythical creatures, and ancient conflicts. The story follows Dermot and his brother Brian as they "embark on a journey through many forests. They meet an old man and unicorns, witness an important birth, and must evade fire-breathing dragons and dark-armored soldiers that serve an evil sorcerer determined to subjugate Denú." Mystical Greenwood has received significant recognition, including being a finalist in the 2019 American Fiction Awards, winning the 2021 MWA Novel Contest in Science Fiction/Fantasy/Speculative, and receiving an honorable mention in fiction in the 2021 Top Shelf Magazine contest.

Beneath the Deep Wave (Book 2): The adventure continues in Beneath the Deep Wave, as Dermot and Brian, along with their companions Ruairí and Ciara, face escalating dangers and grapple with their roles as the next generation of the Dríacht, a coven of sorcerers. The blurb teases a story of war, new alliances, and long-hidden secrets: "Dermot, Brian, Ruairí, and Ciara have been training for their role as the next generation of the coven of sorcerers known as the Dríacht. But their training will have to wait. War is upon Denú. Dark forces loyal to the evil sorcerer Taranis are on the rampage."
Untitled Book 3: The third and final book of the One with Nature trilogy is currently in early development, promising a thrilling conclusion to this epic saga.

Beyond the Page: Exploring Diverse Genres and Forms

Andrew McDowell's creative talents extend far beyond the realm of young adult fantasy. He's a versatile writer who has explored various genres and forms, showcasing his adaptability and broad range of interests.

Essays: Andrew has published insightful essays on a variety of topics. His piece "Asperger Syndrome: An Affliction or a Gift?" was featured in the 2014 anthology Synergy: A Collage of Voices. He has contributed to multiple issues of Pen in Hand, with essays such as "Fencing: A Sport, an Art, an Honor" (July 2021), "Rivers Flowing with History" (July 2023), and "Eight Ball Corner Pocket" (July 2024).
Short Stories: His short fiction has appeared in several anthologies, showcasing his ability to craft compelling narratives in a concise format. These include "A Deadly Dagger" in Nightmare Whispers: Madness Echoes (2020), "Crossing the Estuary" in Fae Dreams (2020), "The Harbor Master" in Into the Glen: Into the Light (2021), and "The Red House" in Christmas Across Time, Volume III (2023).
Poetry: Andrew has also had poetry published since 2013.
Upcoming Novel: Demonstrating his commitment to exploring new genres, Andrew is currently working on a novel set in the real world, a story about neglected and abused pets, inspired by his love for animals.

This wide-ranging body of work demonstrates Andrew McDowell's versatility as a writer and his willingness to tackle diverse subjects and forms.

Awards and Recognition

Andrew McDowell's talent has been recognized with several prestigious awards and accolades, highlighting the quality of his work across different genres:

Mystical Greenwood:
- Winner: 2021 MWA Novel Contest (Science Fiction / Fantasy / Speculative category)
- Finalist: 2019 American Fiction Awards (Fantasy: Epic/High Fantasy category)
- Honorable Mention: 2021 Top Shelf Magazine contest (Fiction category)
"Asperger Syndrome: An Affliction or a Gift?" (Essay):
- 2nd Prize: 2014-15 MWA Literary Contest (Creative Nonfiction category)

What Readers Are Saying About Andrew McDowell's Work:

Andrew McDowell's One with Nature series has earned widespread praise for its captivating world-building, engaging characters, and thoughtful exploration of humanity's relationship with nature. Here's a glimpse of what readers are saying:

"Mystical Greenwood is a well written ride into a fantastical world like no other. Interpersonal family relationships are examined, as is the place nature has in our lives. It's a story for one who wants a bit more than the average fantasy may provide. Thought provoking and brilliantly written." - Grace H. on Mystical Greenwood, 4 Stars, Goodreads
"This is a great addition to the One with Nature series! Here is what I enjoyed the most: Compelling action scenes. Great pacing. Thoughtful, intriguing world building that feels natural without being overwhelming or dull. Maturity and growth in the characters from the first book. New characters that were not in the first book. More mythological creatures! Big, emotional moments, especially between family members. Several unexpected surprises. The emphasis on/love for nature." - Allie P on Beneath the Deep Wave, 5 Stars, Goodreads
"I really enjoyed reading the second book by Andrew McDowell. The first was also good - Mystical Greenwood – and this made it easy to read all the important things about nature and the magical and mythical creatures right from the start. It was great to see the two brothers, Dermot and Brian, and it was clear that both of them had grown up – almost men now. And it was straight into the main story. There is lots of action in various places, but there are also small respites which were really well done. The book continues escalating, and then the ending is hanging in the balance – I can hardly wait. Highly recommended for lovers of fantasy and adventure." - Chris Hall on Beneath the Deep Wave, 5 Stars, Goodreads

Mystical Greenwood is lauded for its skillful blend of adventure, magic, and suspense, creating a rich and immersive fantastical world. Readers commend the vivid descriptions, engaging characters, and well-paced storytelling. The novel's nature-centered themes, and exploration of courage and friendship, add depth and meaning. The character development, particularly of Saershe and Dermot, is highlighted. See reviews on Amazon.

Beneath the Deep Wave is praised for its compelling action scenes, thoughtful world-building, and mature character growth. Readers enjoyed seeing the development of Dermot and Brian, and the introduction of new characters and mythological creatures. The book's fast-paced plot, emotional moments, and strong emphasis on nature conservation are also commended. See reviews on Amazon.

A Call to Connection

I encourage you to dive into the enchanting world of Andrew McDowell's One with Nature series and explore his other works. You can connect with him on his website, YouTube, Facebook, and BlueSky. He is also on Goodreads.

You can purchase his books, as well as the anthologies he's published in, through the Amazon affiliate links below:

Conclusion

Andrew McDowell is a gifted storyteller with a passion for creating immersive worlds, compelling characters, and exploring timeless themes. His One with Nature series offers a captivating blend of fantasy, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. With a growing body of work spanning multiple genres and forms, Andrew McDowell is an author to watch, and I highly recommend exploring his imaginative and thought-provoking stories.

Thanks for reading!

Angela G. Williams

*This post contains affiliate links. For more information about my affiliate relationships, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.